Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the living, and her eyes they blind.
EpictetusRead
The flourishing life cannot be achieved until we moderate our desires and see how superficial and fleeting they are.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A fulfilling life requires us to control our desires and recognize their temporary nature.
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, emphasizes the importance of moderating our desires to achieve a truly flourishing life. He suggests that many of our aspirations are superficial and fleeting, and that by understanding this, we can attain a deeper sense of fulfillment and contentment beyond mere material or temporary gains.
Themes
FlourishingDesiresModerationContentmentPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a mindfulness workshop to emphasize contentment.
More from Epictetus
All quotes βLearn to distinguish what you can and can't control. Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires and the things that repel us. They are directly subject to our influence.
EpictetusRead
Men are disturbed not by the things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.
EpictetusRead
Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it.
EpictetusRead
The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
EpictetusRead
Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
EpictetusRead
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